Thousands of Croatians gathered in city squares throughout the country to usher in the new 2010 year at open-air parties with concerts and fireworks displays being held in a festive atmosphere in all major cities despite rainy weather.
About 10,000 people gathered in Zagreb's central square where local pop androck bands held concerts.
Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic, who is running in the second round of theCroatian presidential elections on 10 January, appeared in the square severalminutes before the midnight and wished revellers a happy new year.
The other candidate in the presidential run-off, Ivo Josipovic, also walkedthrough the square shortly after the midnight and later joined revellers at anew year party in a local club.
Split residents packed the Riva waterfront walkway, where the entertainmentprogramme featured performances by pop and rock singers.
Several thousand residents in the Croatian biggest seaport of Rijeka alsoflocked to the main square to welcome 2010 at a New Year Eve party in the open.The event's programme included concerts of pop and rock bands and singers.
Many people packed the main square in Osijek where entertainers and signersperformed new year programmes.
Earlier on Thursday, Osijek resident Dusko Rudez, nicknamed the man-seal,traditionally dived into the waters of the Drava River at noon of 31 December.This was his 24th swim in the Drava on the day before the New Year's Day.
Dubrovnik organised a new year party in its main street Stradun.
In the area of Dubrovnik, 14 hotels are open and they have registered about3,000 foreign and domestic guests for these seasonal holidays.
Festivities were held in other Adriatic resorts, too.
